Rikhotso’s work brought to life at Limpopo Heritage Collection exhibition

Magic happened at Cheerio Gardens in Magoebaskloof on Friday night, Saturday, September 23, with the opening of the Limpopo Heritage Collection’s second art exhibition – a retrospective of the renowned artist, Phillip Rikhotso. “Rikhotso’s journey as an artist began in 1997 but was transformed when he was awarded the prestigious Brett Kebble Award in 2004 for his imaginative and evocative artworks based on Tsonga folklore,” says Lisa Martus, curator of the exhibition.

The Jurgen Witt Trust, with its significant collection of art from the most acclaimed Limpopo artists, began to be showcased further afield than the Tzaneen Museum by the Limpopo Heritage Collection. “On Friday evening, Cheerio Gardens was lit up not only with the fairy lights strung amongst the trees but also by the luminosity of the wonderful people who have contributed to the journey. Everyone there and others who were there in spirit played a crucial part, whether they know it or not,” says Martus.

Hilda Witt, wife of the art collector Jurgen Witt was there to honour her husband There is a constant pulse, an ancient rhythm pushing life through the veins of the Limpopo province. It is a place of innate creativity, where storytelling is built into daily life and the myths and legends of the past are woven into the fabric of today, says Lisa Martus of Love Limpopo. Florence Tshibeyahope, Gabaza Hlayisi (in front), Penny Penny, and Hilda Witt. legacy and Thandi and Mikateko Rikhotso, the daughters of Phillip Rikhotso also attended the event along with the world-renowned sculptor, Johannes Maswanganyi and his wife Esther, acclaimed for her embroidery and beadwork.

Musician and politician, Penny Penny, known as the ‘Shangaan Disco King’ for the music he made popularly, also attended. Historians and cultural experts like Richard Mabunda and Dr. Peter Halala and Prof Louis Changuion as well as supporters from the University of Limpopo and the University of the Free State and Stegman Art Gallery were among the audience. “Our inspiring friends from Kaross Studio and Café were, as always, supportive of the combination of arts, storytelling, and creativity as well as the possibilities of bringing the Tsonga tales to young learners,” Martus says.

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She says they were approached by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture to collaborate with them on various new upcoming projects. “Thanks to Sarah and her team for the magical venue at Cheerio Gardens, Colleen Venter from the Red Plate for the mouthwatering foodie treats sourced from the area, the ZZ2 team for logistical support, sponsorship, and fresh produce, Juanne Steenkamp for the incredible set building, smoke machine and lights. Thanks also to Jean Zenan for the incredibly evocative soundtrack; Elmarie Whelan of Film and Fiesta Photography for the photos (still to come), Bongani for the awesome Tsonga tunes, as well as Florence and Gabaza from the Tzaneen Museum for bringing the stories of Phillip Rikhotso to life,” Martus concluded.

Garingani wa Garingani
Lisa Martus of Love Limpopo writes:

There is a constant pulse, an ancient rhythm pushing life through the veins of the Limpopo Province. It is a place of innate creativity, where storytelling is built into daily life and the myths and legends of the past are woven into the fabric of today. Garingani wa Garingani…. Gather around the storytellers to listen to the tales of Dendereke and the treacherous hadedas a long, long time ago. Don’t ignore the lessons of the jealous mother-in-law or the mighty and powerful Manakanjovo.… they are waiting to be heard.

The ancestors call to us through the symbology of the healer, the mermaid and the snake emerging from cloth, clay and wood. This is the spark of creation making love to the river of time, bringing fantasy to life. Phillip Rikhotso hailed from the Daniel Rababalela village in Dzumeri, near Giyani, Limpopo. Having learned the art of wood carving from his grandfather, Rikhotso tapped into the Tsonga folklore and myths to create his fantasy figures with their exaggerated features and garish colours.

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He embellished his other-worldly creatures with earrings and animal fur, like the billy-goat beards of the Malakalaka, the long-legged tortoises with their outstretched necks. He often added quirky details like nail polish and bright white buck-teeth to enhance the magical storytelling element so prominent in his prolific body of work. Phillip Rikhotso’s journey was transformed when he was awarded the prestigious Brett Kebble Award, propelling him into the mainstream contemporary art scene along with other rural Limpopo artists.

He joined the ranks of other rural Limpopo artists who achieved international acclaim such as Jackson Hlungwani, Johannes Maswanganyi, Noria Mabasa, Phutuma Seoka and Thomas Kubayi, exhibiting his work at Gallery MOMO in Johannesburg as well in galleries nationwide and internationally before his death in September 2015. The Limpopo Heritage Collection aims to preserve Limpopo’s rich cultural heritage for future generations, invest in Limpopo’s creative economy and to create a sustainable foundation for the artists of tomorrow.